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With FA right around the corner I wanted to take a stab at what we're going to see transpire here shortly. This offseason is enormously important to the team, and while yes all offseasons are important this particular one comes with a lineup of hard decisions that would challenge even the most seasoned GM. Anyway here's a shot at what I think is going to transpire:
TRADE
Robert Quinn
I think Quinn's sack total in the face of his non-fit with this scheme lead to him being moved in trade. There will be a market for him (still young and reasonable sack total), and no we won't get a day one pick for him, but this class is very nice at rush OLB and they will get another pick they can use to address that position. This clears cap space as well, which is important, and adds young legs that can do a better job dropping into coverage to our front seven.
CUTS
Tavon Austin
Mark Barron
I am sure Les is trying to find a trade partner for both during this period leading up to FA, but it's a longshot since teams know both are likely to be cut. Of the two Barron has the most value, in that a 4-3 defense needing a WILL would be an ideal fit and so that might happen, but going to call them both cuts at this juncture because I don't feel like perusing the depth charts of all the 4-3 teams and if we get a pick, well, Les will be able to pat himself on the back because that will be huge.
RE-SIGNS/TENDERS
Aaron Donald
Sammy Watkins
LaMarcus Joyner
Nickell Robey-Coleman
Malcolm Brown
Troy Hill
Matt Longacre
The bottom three are no-brainers as RFAs, all get tendered. Donald has to get done. Watkins is required for at least one season (also bad FA period and weak draft for the position factor in), but I think they agree on a deal for a few years given how much he was open. Joyner is a requirement and insulates them at CB worst-case. NRC is a guy I expect them to get done but he's also a potential "hard choice" since he's primarily a nickel and they have Joyner returning, so if he plays hardball he will be a FA loss.
FA LOSSES
Trumaine Johnson
Connor Barwin
Cody Davis
John Sullivan
Tyrunn Walker
Connor Barwin
Jake McQuaide
Rams are going to need to make some hard calls. They can't bring everyone back, and tbh they shouldn't, as this team was not good enough last year to advance in the playoffs. Of the above Barwin might stick if he elects to sign an affordable deal, same with Sullivan and Davis, but the more of those they do the more they chink away at the FA money that should be reserved for impact players. Rams have been looking at LS through the predraft period, I expect them to address the position through UDFA or late rounds. Lastly, re: Trumaine, if they somehow end up agreeing to a contract with him (longshot but possible) then it likely means NRC will depart in FA.
FA ADDITIONS
Jimmy Graham
I think McVay goes after a TE who can stretch the seam to improve our 12 personnel package, many disagree with me here but it's a big need for adding to the potency of this offense.
Not a fan of this FA CB class and IMO it is best to use a very strong CB draft to replace Trumaine. I think they take one early and maybe one mid to late.
There will be some other FA additions to help address depth chart weaknesses, but I don't expect them to be the kind of signings that will drastically alter needs going into the draft.
DRAFT NEEDS
1. CB (need a CB1)
2. OLB (need a blindside rusher)
3. ILB (need a strongside interior run stuffer)
4. NT (need a run stuffer and space eater minimum)
5. OL (need to add at least a couple guys who can be depth but might have starting future)
6. LS (might be UDFA but they are going to need to bring one in)
PICKS BY ROUND
1
2 (assuming Quinn nets a round 2 pick)
3
4
5
6
6
6
TRADE
Robert Quinn
I think Quinn's sack total in the face of his non-fit with this scheme lead to him being moved in trade. There will be a market for him (still young and reasonable sack total), and no we won't get a day one pick for him, but this class is very nice at rush OLB and they will get another pick they can use to address that position. This clears cap space as well, which is important, and adds young legs that can do a better job dropping into coverage to our front seven.
CUTS
Tavon Austin
Mark Barron
I am sure Les is trying to find a trade partner for both during this period leading up to FA, but it's a longshot since teams know both are likely to be cut. Of the two Barron has the most value, in that a 4-3 defense needing a WILL would be an ideal fit and so that might happen, but going to call them both cuts at this juncture because I don't feel like perusing the depth charts of all the 4-3 teams and if we get a pick, well, Les will be able to pat himself on the back because that will be huge.
RE-SIGNS/TENDERS
Aaron Donald
Sammy Watkins
LaMarcus Joyner
Nickell Robey-Coleman
Malcolm Brown
Troy Hill
Matt Longacre
The bottom three are no-brainers as RFAs, all get tendered. Donald has to get done. Watkins is required for at least one season (also bad FA period and weak draft for the position factor in), but I think they agree on a deal for a few years given how much he was open. Joyner is a requirement and insulates them at CB worst-case. NRC is a guy I expect them to get done but he's also a potential "hard choice" since he's primarily a nickel and they have Joyner returning, so if he plays hardball he will be a FA loss.
FA LOSSES
Trumaine Johnson
Connor Barwin
Cody Davis
John Sullivan
Tyrunn Walker
Connor Barwin
Jake McQuaide
Rams are going to need to make some hard calls. They can't bring everyone back, and tbh they shouldn't, as this team was not good enough last year to advance in the playoffs. Of the above Barwin might stick if he elects to sign an affordable deal, same with Sullivan and Davis, but the more of those they do the more they chink away at the FA money that should be reserved for impact players. Rams have been looking at LS through the predraft period, I expect them to address the position through UDFA or late rounds. Lastly, re: Trumaine, if they somehow end up agreeing to a contract with him (longshot but possible) then it likely means NRC will depart in FA.
FA ADDITIONS
Jimmy Graham
I think McVay goes after a TE who can stretch the seam to improve our 12 personnel package, many disagree with me here but it's a big need for adding to the potency of this offense.
Not a fan of this FA CB class and IMO it is best to use a very strong CB draft to replace Trumaine. I think they take one early and maybe one mid to late.
There will be some other FA additions to help address depth chart weaknesses, but I don't expect them to be the kind of signings that will drastically alter needs going into the draft.
DRAFT NEEDS
1. CB (need a CB1)
2. OLB (need a blindside rusher)
3. ILB (need a strongside interior run stuffer)
4. NT (need a run stuffer and space eater minimum)
5. OL (need to add at least a couple guys who can be depth but might have starting future)
6. LS (might be UDFA but they are going to need to bring one in)
PICKS BY ROUND
1
2 (assuming Quinn nets a round 2 pick)
3
4
5
6
6
6